Heatwave Breastfeeding

[MoodyTwo]

Hi
I have read not to give a baby who is breastfed water?
In the heatwave I'm sure he'll need water not milk and as we'll be both really warm would it be ok to give a bottle of cooled boiled water every now and then?

I'm not ebf anymore so not fully clued up but from I've read you will produce more watery milk in the heat so to still continue with just breastmilk. Just ensure that you are very well hydrated and your baby will take everything it needs from you.

Breastmilk is all a baby needs even in hot weather (assuming you are feeding on demand)

As PP said....your boobs are amazing!! If you are well hydrated your milk will change in consistency to accommodate what baby needs.

If baby is under 6 months then they shouldn't have water no, it does something to dilute electrolytes or nutrients or something I think. Breastmilk changes with babies needs and will become more hydrating in the heat (important for you to keep hydrated aswell) and baby will likely want feeds little and often.

My daughter was born in summer 2020, I asked my health visitor about giving her water, and she said not to, as they can fill up on water, and then refuse feeds, and the calories from milk are more important than water, the milk will hydrate them as well as fill them up. You may find that your LO wants to nurse more but for shorter times as they just want a drink.

I'm gonna be breastfeeding and using expressed milk to top up if my let down isn't fast enough or my nipples get sore. My DS is cluster feeding atm so double fun lol.

Yep just breast milk is fine, it's clever stuff! He'll probably just want to feed more frequently.

If your baby is under 6 months its not advised to give water. Breastmilk is mostly water.

You may find your breasts get fuller and more watery in response to the heat.

If you do give water, be very careful about how much. Certainly not a full bottle unless your baby is more of a toddler.

From NHS page about hot weather.

From 0 to 6 months
• Fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they've started eating solid foods. During hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual.
• If you're bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water. If your baby wakes at night, they'll probably want milk. If they have had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well.
• Remember you can ask your health visitor or another health professional for advice about any baby care issue, advice will then be tailored to meet your baby's needs.
From around 6 months
• Once you have started to introduce solid foods, you should offer your baby sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals. Remember that breastmilk or infant formula should be their main drinks during the first year. In hot weather, you may need to offer some additional water outside of mealtimes.

Breast milk is 85% water so your baby will feed as much as he needs to stay hydrated - it might feel like he’s constantly on the breast. Please don’t give him water as it can upset his electrolyte balance and cause him harm. Only formula fed babies need to be topped up with water in the heat.

Hi all, he is 10 weeks old. I'll just make sure I drink plenty of water and keep him near the boob
Thank you x

That sounds like a good plan Moody. We had hot weather when my DS was tiny and my BM was almost clear for the first part of the feed

It's true just keep bobbin. Maybe a cold drink & fan for you, a muslin between you & your baby...and watch out for the green poo
Film here about why green poo (don't panic if you are eating no green poo featured)!

I wanted to say everything babythrive has already said.
cool muslin between you and baby during feeds plus cold cabbage leaves from the fridge to cool you down in between.
you keep hydrated and all should be good.

You are the one who will need the water! Bf always made me super thirsty and there wasn't a heatwave when mine were babies. Fill a big jug or bottle for you and keep it nearby 😊

EBGing and live in hot country. The consistency of your milk should change to be more watery. Once our weather started heating up, I noticed my milk started pouring out of me like a tap, even through my clothes onto my knees. I just offer my breast a lot.